Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1887-08-12
PROHIBITION IN ATLANTA.

When prohibition was adopted in At
lanta year ago the Daily Constitution
was an active opponent of the measure.
The Constitution is the most influential
Democratic paper in Georgia as we'll as
in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
In its issue of June 30th it summarizes
the results of the first year of prohibi-
ton as follows:
The election at which prohibition was
put on trial in this city is entitled to a
place among great events. No election
of local nature was ever before held in
a city of sixty thousand people in which
more was involved. The changes pro-
posed by it were so radical as to be al
most revolutionary. Over hundred
business houses were to be closed.
Nearly five hundred men were to be
forced to give up chosen employment.
The city treasury was to be left with
forty thousand dollars less revenue.
Trade amounting annually to millions
was to be turned away from the city.
Many large business houses were to be
left unrented. OF course, 4 movement
proposing measures so radical met with
the most spirited and determined oppo-
sition. Many of our best citizens re-
garded it with outspoken dsfavor.
1t was said that prohibition in city
so large as this was impracticable, that
it would not prohibit, that the trade
would be injured, that taxes would be
increased, that the stores in which the
liquor business was carried on would
not be rented for other purposes, that
the same amount of whisky would be
drank with the law as without it, the
city would only miss the revenue, that
it would be death blow to At,anta's
progress.
1t has now been eighteen months
since the election, and twelve months
since the law went into effect. We are
prepared thus from observation to note
results.
Prohibition in this city does prohibit.
The law is observed as well as the law
against carrying concealed weapons,
gambling, theft, and other offenses of
like character. If there had beer as
many people in favor of carrying con-
cealed weapons, theft, gambling, etc.,
as there were in favor of the retail Of
ardent spirits, twelve months ago, law
against these things would not have
been carried out as well as it was against
the liquor trade. In consideration OF
the small majority with which prohibi-
tion was carried, and the large number
of people who were opposed to seeing it
prohibit, the law has been marvelously
well observed.
Prohibition has not injured the city,
financially. According to the assessors
books property in the city has increased
over two millions of dollars. Taxes
have not been increased. Two streets
in the city, Decatur and Peters, were
known as liquor streets. 1t was hardly
considered proper for lady to walk
these streets without an escort. Now
they are just as orderly as any in the
city. Property OH them has advanced
10 to % per cent. The loss of $4,000
revenue, consequent on closing the
saloons, las tended in no degree To inn
pede the city's progress in any direc-
ton. Large appropriations have been
made to the water works, the public
schools, the Piedmont fair and other i'm
provements. The business men have
raised 100000 TO build the Atlanta aud
Hawkinsville railroad. The number Of
city banks is to be increased to five.
The coming of four new railroads has
been settled during the year. Fifteen
new stores containing house-furnishing
goods have been started since prohibit
ton went into effect. These are doing
well. More furniture has been sold to
mechanics and la5oring men in the last
twelve mouths than in any twelve
months during the history Of the city.
The manufacturing establishments Of
the city have received new life. a glass
factory has been built. A cotton seed
oil mill is being b1ilt worth sl25, 600
All improvements companies with basis
in real estate have seen their stocks
doubled in value since the election on
prohibition.
Stores in which the liquor trade was
conducted are not vacant, but are now
occupied by other lines of trade. Ae-
cording to the real estate meG, more la
borers and men Of limited means are
buying lots than ever before. Rents are
more promptly paid than formerly.
More houses are rented by the same
number Of families than heretofore. Be-
fore prohibition, sometimes as many as
three families would live in one house.
The heads of those families now, not
spending their money for drinks, are